Welcome to the Game Changers podcast. I'm your host, Professor Phil Cummins.
The Game Changers podcast aims not only to put a spotlight on the innovative ideas shaping the landscape of 21st century schooling, but to enter into a deep dialogue with those brave pioneers, the true game changers in education. These individuals, these leaders in education, don’t wait for permission. They are courageous enough to make real change in their learning communities as they foster the growth of each young person in their care and equip them with the necessary character, confidence, and competencies to flourish in a new world environment.
These are their stories.
The Game Changers podcast is produced by Orbital Productions, supported by a School for tomorrow.(www.aschoolfortomorrow.com), and powered by CIRCLE – The Centre for Innovation, Research, Creativity and Leadership in Education (www.circle.education). The podcast is hosted on SoundCloud and distributed through Spotify, Google Play, and Apple Podcasts. Please subscribe and tell your friends you like what you are hearing. You can contact us at gamechangers@circle.education, follow us on Twitter and on Instagram via @GameChangersPC, and you can also connect with Phil via LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
Series 18 Episode 219 Michaela Epstein (Part 2): Working In The Classroom
The Game Changers podcast celebrates true pioneers who inspire us to take the big step forward and up in education and beyond. In episode 219 (Part 2) of Game Changers, Professor Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Michaela Epstein.
Michaela is a highly experienced mathematics educator, who has worked closely with teachers throughout Australia. Michaela has taught at secondary schools in rural Victoria and in Melbourne.
She has coached teachers in the design and implementation of specialised mathematics programs to support and extend students. Currently, Michaela runs professional development with primary and secondary teachers with a focus on problem solving, mathematical reasoning and using data to inform practice. In 2019, Michaela brought Maths Teacher Circles, a global model of communities of practice, to Australia for the first time.
Since 2016, Michaela has served on the Board of the Mathematical Association of Victoria, including as President during 2017 to 2019 and as the Victorian representative for the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers. In this capacity, she has advised on the strategic development of a range of programs and services to support mathematics teachers and students.
Michaela’s expertise in mathematics education further extends to curriculum policy and development. She has completed Masters research on the intent of the 'Victorian Curriculum: Mathematics' and the 'National STEM School Education Strategy', and presented internationally on this work.
The Game Changers podcast is produced by Evan Phillips supported by a School for tomorrow (aschoolfortomorrow.com), and powered by CIRCLE. The podcast is hosted on SoundCloud and distributed through Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. Please subscribe and tell your friends you like what you are hearing. You can contact us at gamechangers@circle.education, on Twitter and Instagram via @GameChangersPC, and you can also connect with Phil and Adriano via LinkedIn and Twitter. Let’s go!
28 Sept 2026
Series 18 Episode 219 Michaela Epstein (Part 1): Working On Yourself
The Game Changers podcast celebrates true pioneers who inspire us to take the big step forward and up in education and beyond. In episode 219 (Part 1) of Game Changers, Professor Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Michaela Epstein.
Michaela is a highly experienced mathematics educator, who has worked closely with teachers throughout Australia. Michaela has taught at secondary schools in rural Victoria and in Melbourne.
She has coached teachers in the design and implementation of specialised mathematics programs to support and extend students. Currently, Michaela runs professional development with primary and secondary teachers with a focus on problem solving, mathematical reasoning and using data to inform practice. In 2019, Michaela brought Maths Teacher Circles, a global model of communities of practice, to Australia for the first time.
Since 2016, Michaela has served on the Board of the Mathematical Association of Victoria, including as President during 2017 to 2019 and as the Victorian representative for the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers. In this capacity, she has advised on the strategic development of a range of programs and services to support mathematics teachers and students.
Michaela’s expertise in mathematics education further extends to curriculum policy and development. She has completed Masters research on the intent of the 'Victorian Curriculum: Mathematics' and the 'National STEM School Education Strategy', and presented internationally on this work.
The Game Changers podcast is produced by Evan Phillips supported by a School for tomorrow (aschoolfortomorrow.com), and powered by CIRCLE. The podcast is hosted on SoundCloud and distributed through Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. Please subscribe and tell your friends you like what you are hearing. You can contact us at gamechangers@circle.education, on Twitter and Instagram via @GameChangersPC, and you can also connect with Phil and Adriano via LinkedIn and Twitter. Let’s go!
21 Sept 2026
Series 18 Episode 218 David Atkinson & Mark Sturgeon (Part 3): Relationships
The Game Changers podcast celebrates true pioneers who inspire us to take the big step forward and up in education and beyond. In episode 218 (Part 3) of Game Changers, Professor Phil Cummins joins in conversation with David Atkinson & Mark Sturgeon.
David has been Headteacher of Dr Challoner’s Grammar School in Amersham since 2016, and has worked there all his teaching career. He still teaches Geography, and has developed a significant interest in character development through his previous role as Director of Sixth Form and now as Headteacher. He firmly believes that today’s young people have great capacity to positively influence our world through their sense of purpose and desire to make a difference, and that education has a key role to play in fostering that.
Mark has been the Headmaster of the School since September 2014 having previously held roles as Geography teacher at Burnham Upper School (1996-1998), Head of Geography at AGS (1998-2005) and Head of Year 13 at AGS (2000-2005). He then went on to be Assistant Headteacher – Learning Development (2005-2009) and Deputy Headteacher (2009-2014) at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School.
During his career, Mark has presented nationally and internationally on developments in learning, most notably for the International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC) where he currently is the Secretary of the organisation.
Additionally, Mark is Chair of The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools and a Member of the Steering Committee for the Grammar School Heads Association. Mark is the Chair of Buckinghamshire Schools’ Football Association.
A graduate of the University of Liverpool, he is a keen sportsman, with a family of three boys.
The Game Changers podcast is produced by Evan Phillips supported by a School for tomorrow (aschoolfortomorrow.com), and powered by CIRCLE. The podcast is hosted on SoundCloud and distributed through Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. Please subscribe and tell your friends you like what you are hearing. You can contact us at gamechangers@circle.education, on Twitter and Instagram via @GameChangersPC, and you can also connect with Phil and Adriano via LinkedIn and Twitter. Let’s go!
Who has been a guest on Game Changers
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Professor Philip Cummins
Andrew Donnelly
Neil Wolstenholme
Martin Westwell
Liz Jackson
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.7 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
2.3 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 41 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
50
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
81
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Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
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